Activation Capital

Activation Capital was honored to host an inspiring group of leaders this week from across Virginia, united by their commitment to strengthening the state’s biomanufacturing ecosystem. This impactful event, organized by the Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation, brought together a dynamic network of academia, government, non-profit, and private sector organizations to foster collaboration and innovation. Nicolai Shuman of Activation Capital kicked off the day with a warm welcome, followed by insights from John Newby of Virginia Bio and an inspiring keynote by Juan Pablo Segura, CPA. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this exciting day of connection and progress! Together, we’re building a stronger, more innovative future for biomanufacturing in Virginia. #Biomanufacturing #Innovation #Collaboration #ActivationCapital #BioTech

Virginia’s life sciences ecosystem continues to thrive, thanks to the innovators and trailblazers who call the VA Bio+Tech Park home! This week, we celebrate one of those remarkable leaders: Dr. Massimo Bertino, the 2024 Virginia Commonwealth University Innovator of the Year. Dr. Bertino, a physicist and professor in VCU's Department of Physics, has made history as the first physicist to earn this prestigious honor in the?award’s?17-year history. Dr. Bertino’s work focuses on aerogels—the world’s most effective insulation material—which he has revolutionized through innovative, safer, and more cost-effective manufacturing techniques. His research addresses one of the long-standing challenges of aerogel production: the hazardous and expensive supercritical drying process. By developing a method that eliminates this step, Bertino and his team have made aerogels more accessible and practical for commercial and residential use. The result -- advanced insulation materials that are thinner, lightweight, flame-proof, and moisture-resistant, with the potential to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions! Dr. Bertino’s innovation is being brought to market through ThermaGEL Innovations, Inc., a VCU spin-off company located in the heart of the Virginia Bio+Tech Park. This partnership highlights the park’s role as a hub for transformative research and commercial development. Currently undergoing testing at ThermaGEL’s headquarters in Richmond, these advanced aerogels are poised to revolutionize energy efficiency in building insulation—delivering the same insulation value as traditional materials like styrofoam at a fraction of the thickness. This achievement is more than a scientific milestone; it’s a testament to the interdisciplinary collaboration at VCU. Dr. Bertino’s partnership with VCU chemist and ThermaGEL exemplifies how diverse expertise can converge to create groundbreaking solutions. Congratulations to Dr. Bertino on this well-deserved honor! His work is a shining example of the innovation, collaboration, and leadership that define the Virginia Bio+Tech Park and the Commonwealth’s vibrant life sciences community. Read more here:?https://lnkd.in/gxjB_W3c

?? TONIGHT we CELEBRATE! Join us at the Frontier BioHealth Startup Showcase, happening this evening, November 20, from 4-7 PM at Main Street Station in Richmond, VA. We invite you to celebrate the journey of 10 life sciences startups as they showcase their innovations and milestones. Whether you're a life sciences enthusiast or a curious community member, this is an event you won’t want to miss. See you there! ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/e2UvDd3G Discover more about Frontier BioHealth: https://lnkd.in/e3SwKNWJ #LifeSciences #Innovation #BioHealth #StartupShowcase #FrontierBioHealth Atticus Pharma, GenAssist, Gisens Biotech, KeViRx, Inc., Light Switch Bio, Oncoustics, OrthoPreserve, Pele Therapeutics, Rapid Forensic Cell Typing, Inc, Vizma Life Sciences, gener8tor, Fat Robin, FedTech

??Tomorrow’s the day!??Join us at the Frontier BioHealth Startup Showcase, happening tomorrow, November 20, from 4-7 PM at Main Street Station in Richmond, VA. Celebrate the journey of 10 life sciences startups as they showcase their innovations and milestones. Whether you're a life sciences enthusiast or a curious community member, this is an event you won’t want to miss. See you there! ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/e2UvDd3G Discover more about Frontier BioHealth: https://lnkd.in/e3SwKNWJ #LifeSciences #Innovation #BioHealth #StartupShowcase #FrontierBioHealth Atticus Pharma, GenAssist, Gisens Biotech, KeViRx, Inc., Light Switch Bio, Oncoustics, OrthoPreserve, Pele Therapeutics, Rapid Forensic Cell Typing, Inc, Vizma Life Sciences, gener8tor, Fat Robin, FedTech

?? Frontier BioHealth Startup Showcase is THIS WEEK! Join us on Wednesday, November 20 to celebrate our thriving network of life sciences innovators! ?? Frontier BioHealth Startup Showcase will take place from 4-7 PM at Main Street Station in Richmond, VA, and will feature 10 innovative life sciences startups that have completed the Frontier BioHealth program. This 16-week journey has equipped these companies with the tools, mentorship, and networks to drive growth and make an impact in biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health-focused consumer products. ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/e2UvDd3G Discover more about Frontier BioHealth: https://lnkd.in/e3SwKNWJ #LifeSciences #Innovation #BioHealth #StartupShowcase #FrontierBioHealth Atticus Pharma, GenAssist, Gisens Biotech, KeViRx, Inc., Light Switch Bio, Oncoustics, OrthoPreserve, Pele Therapeutics, Rapid Forensic Cell Typing, Inc, Vizma Life Sciences, gener8tor, Fat Robin, FedTech

Meet Gisens Biotech, part of the pioneering Frontier BioHealth cohort! Their saliva test empowers chronic kidney disease patients with at-home health monitoring, eliminating constant clinic visits. They've secured pilots with top pharma companies and raised $500K. ?? Gisens is seeking experts in breakthrough devices and new pilot partners. Be part of this groundbreaking kidney health solution: https://lnkd.in/eCFRF7Hi Explore Frontier BioHealth: https://lnkd.in/e3SwKNWJ ?? Make sure join us for the Frontier BioHealth Startup Showcase featuring Gisens and the other groundbreaking companies on November 20 to see their progress and learn about their impact on the future of healthcare. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e2UvDd3G #FrontierBioHealth #Innovation #KidneyHealth #HomeDiagnostics #MedTech #GisensBiotech Luis Pierpauli gener8tor Fat Robin FedTech

?? Meet Pele Therapeutics, a participant in our first-ever Frontier BioHealth cohort! They are advancing non-viral gene therapy to treat metabolic and fibrotic diseases like diabetes and arthritis, offering a safer, affordable alternative. ?? Pele is looking to connect with experts in regulatory and reimbursement strategies and healthcare providers specializing in diabetes. Get involved in shaping the future of gene therapy! Check out Frontier BioHealth: https://lnkd.in/e3SwKNWJ And make sure join us for the Frontier BioHealth Startup Showcase featuring Pele and the other groundbreaking companies on November 20 to see their progress and learn about their impact on the future of healthcare. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e2UvDd3G #FrontierBioHealth #Innovation #GeneTherapy #BioHealth #LifeSciences #PeleTherapeutics Anna Bulysheva Michael P. Francis, PhD Austin Tapp Heather Amin gener8tor Fat Robin FedTech

?? Only ONE WEEK to go until the Frontier BioHealth Startup Showcase! Don’t miss this unique event on November 20, where 10 startups will share insights from their 16-week journey of growth and discovery. Be there to connect with life sciences innovators, industry professionals, and others passionate about shaping the future of health. Join us at Main Street Station from 4-7 PM in Richmond, VA! ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/e2UvDd3G Discover more about Frontier BioHealth: https://lnkd.in/e3SwKNWJ #LifeSciences #Innovation #BioHealth #StartupShowcase #FrontierBioHealth Atticus Pharma, GenAssist, Gisens Biotech, KeViRx, Inc., Light Switch Bio, Oncoustics, OrthoPreserve, Pele Therapeutics, Rapid Forensic Cell Typing, Inc, Vizma Life Sciences, gener8tor, Fat Robin, FedTech

?? Meet GenAssist, a member of our inaugural Frontier BioHealth cohort! They have created MyoMatrix, a biomaterial that helps regrow muscle tissue lost to disease or injury, offering hope for trauma recovery. ?? GenAssist is seeking regulatory strategy advice and connections with military advocates and surgeons. Join them in their mission to restore muscle function: https://genassist.co/ Learn about Frontier BioHealth: https://lnkd.in/e3SwKNWJ And make sure join us for the Frontier BioHealth Startup Showcase featuring GenAssist and the other groundbreaking companies on November 20 to see their progress and learn about their impact on the future of healthcare. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e2UvDd3G #LifeSciences #Innovation #BioHealth #StartupShowcase #FrontierBioHealth Atticus Pharma, GenAssist, Gisens Biotech, KeViRx, Inc., Light Switch Bio, Oncoustics, OrthoPreserve, Pele Therapeutics, Rapid Forensic Cell Typing, Inc, Vizma Life Sciences, gener8tor, Fat Robin, FedTech

?? Meet the Startups Transforming Life Sciences! ?? The Frontier BioHealth Startup Showcase will feature 10 groundbreaking companies across biotech, pharma, medtech, and health-focused products. Over the past 16 weeks, these startups have honed their strategies, built invaluable connections, and advanced their technologies. Join us on November 20 to see their progress and learn about their impact on the future of healthcare. Drinks and appetizers will be provided! ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/e2UvDd3G Discover more about Frontier BioHealth: https://lnkd.in/e3SwKNWJ #LifeSciences #Innovation #BioHealth #StartupShowcase #FrontierBioHealth Atticus Pharma, GenAssist, Gisens Biotech, KeViRx, Inc., Light Switch Bio, Oncoustics, OrthoPreserve, Pele Therapeutics, Rapid Forensic Cell Typing, Inc, Vizma Life Sciences, gener8tor, Fat Robin, FedTech